When we neighbor well, it’s going to get messy. As followers of Jesus, we have to be willing to enter the mess. So what do we do in the mess? That’s what this week’s message is about. Listen to Pastor Jonathan Alexander as he continues our sermon series, The Art of Neighboring with Entering the Mess.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. What is the best party you’ve ever been to? What was memorable about it?

2. Read Luke 5:27-32. Based on what you know about New Testament times, what are some modern-day equivalents of Biblical tax collectors? How do you interact with these groups? How do you think Jesus would interact with these groups?

3. Have you encountered a messy situation in neighboring? What happened?

4. Would those who know you well say you are too strict with your personal boundaries, too loose with your personal boundaries, or just about right? What risks do you need to take in having healthier boundaries (risk telling people no, risk joining them in their mess, etc)?

5. Update your group on your block party plans. What are you most excited about? What are your biggest challenges? How can your group help?

The biggest obstacle to the Great Commandment is TIME. Busyness and hurry are the enemies of relationship and intimacy. In this message, Pastor Jonathan speaks on Overcoming Barriers. Listen now and discover how to build relationships with those who live near us.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how hectic is your life right now?

2. Last week you were challenged to get the name of at least one neighbor you did not know. What happened? Update your group on your progress.

3. Read Mark 5:21-43 (break up the passage and have a few people read the story). What strikes you about Jesus’ response to this interruption? How do you typically react when interrupted? What can we learn from the story?

4. Read Romans 12:2. “Hurry” seems to be the norm in our world but it can prevent us from loving as Jesus loved. How does the current pace of your life impact your ability to neighbor? What changes might be needed? What change will you make this week?

5. What have you identified as the biggest “time stealers” in your life? What changes will you make to create more margin in your life?

6. What change will you make in the next week to be more approachable or available to your neighbors?

What if every follower of Jesus took His command literally… like in literally loving our neighbors in our neighborhood? Could the relationships built in our neighborhoods change not only the lives and families in our neighborhoods, but could they also be the vehicle by which communities and cities begin to be restored? Pastor Jonathan starts a new series, The Art of Neighboring. Listen now to The Call to Neighboring.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. What were the biggest factors in your decision of where to live? What things would you look for if you chose to move to a new community?

2. How many of your neighbors were you able to list on your Block Map? Did you learn anything from this experience?

3. If you are close to any of your neighbors, how did that relationship develop? How well do you know them (do you know anything about their personal lives or backgrounds)?

4. Read Luke 10:29-37. The man who asked Jesus the question in verse 29 was looking to justify himself. What loopholes or excuses do we use to justify ourselves when it comes to loving our neighbors? In what ways are you using these loopholes in your neighborhood?

5. Read Galatians 5:14. In what practical way will you fulfill this verse this week?

6. This week learn the name of one of your unknown neighbors. As a small group, discuss ideas on how to do this.

The story of God’s people is a story of obedience and rebellion, faithfulness and unfaithfulness. It was true of Israel in the Bible and it’s true of us as well. But the story is not finished. In Romans 11, Paul reminds us God still has a mercy-giving plan to call all His people home. In this message Pastor Jonathan Wolfgang concludes our sermon series with God’s Mercy looking at Romans chapter 11. Listen now.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1.Tell of a time someone showed you mercy in an extraordinary way. How did that impact you? In what ways can it be difficult to accept mercy?

2. Read Romans 11:1-6. Paul points to the experience of Elijah in 1 Kings 18-19. Review this story as a group. In what ways are Paul and Elijah similar? Can you relate to them in any way?

3. Read Romans 11:13-21. Paul is speaking to Gentile Christians. What danger is he addressing? What is his warning to them?

4. How does the danger of arrogance threaten churches today? How are you tempted by it in your own life?

5. How is God’s mercy shown in Romans 11:25-32?

6. Read Romans 11:33-36. Paul finishes this section with a beautiful poem of worship. Using the themes of Paul’s poem (God’s Mercy, God’s Mind, God’s Majesty), spend some time in prayer worshipping God.

Have you ever wondered what is God’s plan for Israel, the Church, and how does it all fit together? Pastor Jonathan continues our sermon series with God’s Mission looking at Romans chapter 10. Listen to this message and discover what in the world God is up to in The Big Picture.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. What are some “life scorecards” people use to evaluate their success or failure in life (eg; financial success, moral perfection, popularity, etc.)? Which is most tempting for you?

2. Read Romans 10:1. Paul was deeply concerned for the spiritual well-being of his people. Whose spiritual well-being is of concern for you (your One Life)? What are you doing about it?

3.  Read Colossians 4:2-4. Jonathan challenged us to pray for open hearts, open doors, and open mouths. Rate yourself from 1-5.

•  How open is your heart to those who do not know God? _______
5–I am constantly mindful of the spiritual condition of those around me and pray daily for those far from God.
1–I rarely or never think of the spiritual condition of others.

•  How sensitive are you to open doors to invite or share your faith? _______
5–I regularly look for ways to steer conversations toward spiritual matters.
1–Looking for ways to talk about Jesus or my faith rarely or never crosses
my mind.

•  How confident are you in sharing your faith or inviting someone to hear
about Jesus? _______
5–I regularly and confidently tell others of what God has done in my life.
1–I never talk about my faith with others and don’t feel I can describe what Jesus has done for me.

4.  What will you do to grow in these areas? Finish your time by praying by name
for your One Life. Spend time praying for an open heart, an open door, and an
open mouth.

From the beginning and even today, God has been creating and restoring; through reconciliation, changed lives, and calling people to Him including all the nations of the earth. All of this has been to fulfill a mission to extend mercy.

Pastor Jonathan starts our new sermon series The Big Picture. Listen now as we discover what in the world God is up to.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. Share about a time someone broke a promise they had made to you. How did it impact your relationship? How did you recover?

2. Read Genesis 12:1-3. In what ways has God fulfilled this promise? Abraham was blessed to be a blessing; Paul is saying we are now part of that promise as well.
In what ways have you been blessed to be a blessing? How are you a blessing in our world?

3. Paul raises some challenging theological topics in these chapters. How do you handle difficult passages in your personal Bible reading and study? What resources do you find helpful?

4. Read Romans 9:32-33. In what ways can Jesus be a stumbling block?

5. Is anyone in your group taking the Big Picture Challenge? Consider doing this together as a group over the next few weeks. More at nsb.org/bigpicturechallenge.

Have you ever been let down or abandoned? In this life, many encounter these deep disappointments and carry deep fears of being left. Who is ultimately there for us when we’ve been let down? As we finish our current series on Romans 8, we find that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. Listen now to Pastor Jonathan as he concludes our series with God Never Leaves.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. Read Romans 8:31-32. What two key truths are found in these verses? How can these truths help us “keep going?”

2. Read 1 Peter 5:8 and Romans 8:33-34. How have you dealt with the accusations and attacks of the evil one? How does the truth of Romans 8:33-34 help you in this battle?

3. Read Romans 8:35-38. Paul is talking about threats he was facing to his faith. What threats to faith do we experience? How have you dealt with these threats?

4. Read Romans 8:37. In what ways are we more than conquerors thanks to what Jesus has done for us?

5. Are there any areas of life right now where you find it hard to “keep going?” How do these closing verses of Romans 8 bring you assurance and motivation? How can your group help?

Life is full of good and bad experiences and sometimes when the bad experiences outweigh the good, it’s hard to move forward dealing with grief. God is faithful and He causes all things to work together for good. Listen now to Pastor Jonathan’s message, God Redeems Our Pain.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. Read Romans 8:28-30. Last week we talked about the comfort God can bring in difficult times; this week we focused on the confidence we can have in Him. What confidence do you gain from Paul’s words in this passage?

2. Read Psalm 31:10-13. Have you ever felt like David in this passage? Now, read Psalm 31:14-19. Is there any area of life where you need to be reminded of these truths?

3. In your life, how have you seen God “cause all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose?” Share an example with the group.

4. How does hearing of these experiences in others’ lives renew your confidence in God’s goodness? Do you know anyone outside your group who needs to hear your story?

5. Many people say, “everything happens for a reason.” Based on what you’re learning from this passage, do you think that statement is true or false? What would you say to someone who has that perspective?

6. Is there some area where you’re experiencing pain or difficulty in your life? What is one thing you can do to move forward in your pain? How can your group help?

Is anybody listening to me? Does anyone up there really care? Listen now to God Listens to Us with Pastor Tom Regan.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. How would you describe the emotions you felt when you heard of the attack in Boston? What is your initial reaction to such events? Spend some time praying for the people and families impacted.

2. Read 8:26-27. What does this passage teach us about the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives?

3. Paul says the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf when we don’t know what to say. Have you been through a difficult time when you were unable to put your feelings into words? How does knowing the Spirit speaks for us during those times bring comfort and reassurance?

4. Tom talked about three truths to cling to. Which of these three do you most need reminded of right now? What strength or encouragement comes from this truth?

5. Read James 1:5. In this context, James is talking about asking for wisdom in the midst of suffering. Are there any areas where you need wisdom in the face of something difficult? How can your group pray for you? Spend some time praying for each other as a group.

Sometimes we feel hopeless when life falls apart. We know that there has to be something more and God gives us the hope that there really is. Pastor Jonathan Alexander continues the series, Hello My Name Is God. Listen now to his message, God Gives Us Hope.

Learn more on Pastor Jonathan’s blog.

Small Group Questions

1. Has there ever been a time when you struggled with feelings of hopelessness? Please share your experience with your group. How did you endure it?

2. Read Romans 8:15-25. What is it about our world that makes you “groan”, longing for things to change?

3. The pain and brokenness of this world impacts everyone in some way. Are there ways your group might be able to help with some struggle you’re dealing with in your life personally?

4. Read Revelation 21:1-5. What are some misperceptions people have about heaven? How would you describe heaven to someone?

5. Some accuse Christians of being “so heaven-minded that they are no earthly good.” In what ways can this be true? In what ways can this be false?

6. What might it look like for you and your group to “live at the intersection of hurt and hope and direct traffic?”